These subjects come up from time-to-time with my secularist friends and colleagues. When I point out to them that they, ultimately, have no moral code, that there is no action they could not eventually justify if they wanted to, they get offended, but cannot actually refute me. Secular morals are ultimately just rationalized hedonism. And it is that that leads us to the first part of the article. If I want to gratify myself with children, I will (and find a way to make it look like I am doing a good thing).
Other thoughts:
Is the desire to have sex with children a manifestation of the desire for control? Adults having sex with children is inherently non-consensual. The power dynamics make real consent impossible. In a world where people feel completely powerless, ground under by the machinations of societal forces that rival the forces of nature, is the increase in pedophilia a misguided attempt to reaffirm autonomy/free-will/self-determination?
Can there be a civic religion where people don’t actually believe? I understand that it is heartening to see thoughtful atheists realizing that they have nothing to contribute to society and that their project is a failure. I also genuinely believe that we have passed over the secularist apogee and are headed for a much more religious future. All of that is hopeful. At the same time, most people aren’t atheists, they are hedonists. Most people are just trying to enjoy themselves, and are willing to justify most actions to that end. And a future morality of exploitation, even if clothed in Christian language, cannot serve as the foundation for a healthy society. I mean, really, the present circumstances are the result of a society that only pretended to believe, a society that thought it could have the temporal benefits of Christianity without being bound by its supernatural demands. Trying to return to a superficial Christian society has some benefits, namely better morals. But I think it also breeds resentment and is bad for Christianity in the long term. Christian morals are hard, and if you don’t genuinely believe that God asks you to do them because they are what make you flourish, you are likely to grow up to hate your religion (and maybe also your God). That is the story of the 20th Century.
Excellent. I used to be fascinated by dystopian novels and themes in my youth and innocence...the dystopian seemed dangerous but distant. That fascination and innocence is long gone for the obvious reason being my awareness as an adult that we are now living in it.
Well, THAT was brilliantly awesome. I am completely gobsmacked, and need to go lie lie down for a while now. Thank you, and have a great weekend!
Thanks, Joe! I'm happy with how it all came together myself.
These subjects come up from time-to-time with my secularist friends and colleagues. When I point out to them that they, ultimately, have no moral code, that there is no action they could not eventually justify if they wanted to, they get offended, but cannot actually refute me. Secular morals are ultimately just rationalized hedonism. And it is that that leads us to the first part of the article. If I want to gratify myself with children, I will (and find a way to make it look like I am doing a good thing).
Other thoughts:
Is the desire to have sex with children a manifestation of the desire for control? Adults having sex with children is inherently non-consensual. The power dynamics make real consent impossible. In a world where people feel completely powerless, ground under by the machinations of societal forces that rival the forces of nature, is the increase in pedophilia a misguided attempt to reaffirm autonomy/free-will/self-determination?
Can there be a civic religion where people don’t actually believe? I understand that it is heartening to see thoughtful atheists realizing that they have nothing to contribute to society and that their project is a failure. I also genuinely believe that we have passed over the secularist apogee and are headed for a much more religious future. All of that is hopeful. At the same time, most people aren’t atheists, they are hedonists. Most people are just trying to enjoy themselves, and are willing to justify most actions to that end. And a future morality of exploitation, even if clothed in Christian language, cannot serve as the foundation for a healthy society. I mean, really, the present circumstances are the result of a society that only pretended to believe, a society that thought it could have the temporal benefits of Christianity without being bound by its supernatural demands. Trying to return to a superficial Christian society has some benefits, namely better morals. But I think it also breeds resentment and is bad for Christianity in the long term. Christian morals are hard, and if you don’t genuinely believe that God asks you to do them because they are what make you flourish, you are likely to grow up to hate your religion (and maybe also your God). That is the story of the 20th Century.
Great article. Hope things are going well.
Excellent. I used to be fascinated by dystopian novels and themes in my youth and innocence...the dystopian seemed dangerous but distant. That fascination and innocence is long gone for the obvious reason being my awareness as an adult that we are now living in it.
When the atheists begin to laud Christianity, maybe the Golden Age really is upon us.